Search is on to find Doncaster's best tree as Tree of The Year contest opens

Darren Burke, Communities reporter

Doncaster's favourite trees are being sought for a contest to find the country's very best.

The Woodland Trust is seeking nominations for the Tree of the Year, with the prospect of extra years of life for the most popular entries.

The competition, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, is open to any living tree in the UK that has a story behind it.

Following nominations, an independent panel of experts will draw up a shortlist of trees to go to a public vote. Trees of the Year will be named in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The winning trees and any that receive over 1000 votes will receive a bespoke “Tree LC” pamper package to improve their lives.

“The needs of the individual trees will be put first,” said Jill Butler from the Woodland Trust.

“A bespoke care package to help their future prospects is our priority. However it could also involve a celebratory event or educational materials. All and all this will be TLC for the tree – a physical check-up and initiatives to help it, or a party to celebrate its place in people’s hearts.”

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “On behalf of our players we’re delighted to continue to support the Woodland Trust in their search for the nations’ best loved trees. The competition encourages communities to champion the amazing trees close to them, and emphasises the importance of giving them better protection.”

Any individual or organisation can nominate their favourite. The individual trees should have a story behind them – from longstanding legends through to memorials or personal connections. The winners will follow in the footsteps of the Major Oak and Cubbington pear tree which have won the crown in the last two years.

The winning tree will receive £1000 worth of bespoke care which might include pruning, weeding, fencing or mulching – or events and educational materials. Any tree with over 1000 votes will receive £500 worth of care.

Each country’s individual Tree of the Year will go on to represent that nation in the European Tree of the Year competition, organised by the Environmental Partnership Association.